7 Crochet Blanket Patterns for Beginners: Easy Projects to Start Your Cozy Journey

Learning to crochet a blanket is one of the most rewarding first projects you can tackle as a new crocheter. You don’t need advanced skills or complicated techniques to create something beautiful and functional for your home. Basic stitches like double crochet and chain stitches are all you need to make cozy blankets that look professionally crafted.

The best part about starting with blanket patterns is that you can practice fundamental techniques while working on something that actually keeps you warm. You’ll develop muscle memory for holding your hook and yarn, learn to maintain consistent tension, and see your progress grow with every row or motif. Mistakes are easy to fix in crochet, and the repetitive nature of blanket patterns helps build your confidence quickly.

This guide walks you through everything from choosing your first pattern to understanding which materials and tools work best for beginners. You’ll find eight carefully selected patterns that teach different skills, plus practical tips for avoiding common frustrations that trip up new crocheters. Whether you want to make a gift or add a handmade touch to your living room, you’ll discover patterns that match your goals and skill level.

Why Make a Crochet Blanket

Making a crochet blanket is one of the most rewarding projects you can tackle as a beginner. You’ll end up with something cozy and practical that you can actually use every day.

Blankets are surprisingly forgiving to work on. If you make a small mistake, it usually blends right into the pattern without anyone noticing.

Here’s what makes blankets perfect for beginners:

• You can make them any size you want
• They help you practice keeping your stitches even
• No complicated shaping or sizing needed
• Great for learning new stitch patterns

The repetitive nature of blanket projects lets you really nail down the basics. Your tension will improve naturally as you work row after row. You’ll notice your stitches becoming more consistent without even trying.

Crocheting also gives your hands something to do while watching TV or listening to music. Many people find the rhythmic motion of the hook calming after a long day.

Starting small with a baby blanket or lap throw means you won’t feel overwhelmed. You can always make bigger blankets once you’re comfortable with the process.

Benefits you’ll enjoy:

• A handmade item for your home
• Personalized gifts for friends and family
• Skill building that transfers to other projects
• A mindful and relaxing hobby that reduces stress

Your finished blanket becomes proof of what you’ve learned. There’s real satisfaction in wrapping yourself in something you created with your own two hands.

Essential Tips for Starting Your Crochet Blanket

Getting your blanket started right makes everything easier down the road. Knowing how to measure gauge, decode patterns, calculate chains, and handle color changes will save you from frustration and help you finish projects you’ll actually love.

Understanding Gauge and Blanket Sizing

Gauge tells you how many stitches and rows fit into a 10 cm (4 inch) square. It’s basically your crochet fingerprint since everyone crochets differently.

It’s a good idea to check gauge before starting any blanket, even simple ones. Make a test square using the same yarn and hook as your pattern. Measure it carefully with a ruler across the middle, not at the edges where stitches might be wonky.

If your square has too many stitches per inch, switch to a larger hook. Too few stitches means you need a smaller hook. This matters because being off by even half a stitch can make your blanket several inches bigger or smaller than planned, and will affect the amount of yarn you need.

Common Blanket Sizes:

• Baby blanket size: 30 x 40 inches or 36 x 36 inches
• Lap blanket: 36 x 48 inches
• Throw blanket: 50 x 60 inches
• Twin bed: 66 x 90 inches

How to Read Crochet Blanket Patterns

Crochet patterns use abbreviations and symbols that may look confusing at first. However, once you get used to them, they will become second nature. For example, SC means single crochet, DC is double crochet, and CH stands for chain.

All crochet patterns should include a materials list, gauge info, finished size, and row-by-row instructions, as well as a list of the abbreviations used and what they stand for.

Read through everything carefully before you start so you know what’s coming.

Asterisks (*) and parentheses show repeats. When you see:

*SC in next 3 sts, 2 DC in next st*, repeat from * to * to end of row

you do that sequence (from * to *) over and over until the row ends.

Brackets and parentheses work similarly but help organize different types of repeats.

Many patterns also have a stitch count at the end of each row. Count your stitches to catch mistakes early before you’ve done ten more rows.

Finally, take note of whether your pattern is written in UK or US crochet terms. This should be stated on the pattern but if it include single crochet stitches, then you know your dealing with US terms. This post explains the difference, and how to convert, between US and UK terms.

Stitch Multiples and Foundation Chains

A stitch multiple tells you how many stitches you need in a row for a pattern to work correctly. If a pattern has a stitch multiple of 4 per row, your foundation chain needs to be divisible by 4, plus any extras for turning.

Patterns usually say something like “chain any multiple of 6 plus 2” or “foundation chain: multiple of 8 + 3.” The extra stitches account for turning chains or pattern edges.

Here’s how it works in practice:

Pattern Requirement for Starting Chain	Example Chain Counts
Multiple of 4	40, 44, 48, 52
Multiple of 6 + 2	38, 44, 50, 56
Multiple of 8 + 3	43, 51, 59, 67

Want a bigger or smaller blanket? Just add or subtract complete multiples. Don’t randomly add chains or your pattern won’t line up.

Managing Color Changes and Weaving in Ends

Color changes usually happen in the last step of the stitch before you want the new color to show. For single crochet, pull through the new color on the final yarn over instead of the old color.

Drop the old yarn but don’t cut it if you’re using it again soon. Let it hang at the edge and pick it up when needed. This works great for stripes.

Tips for Clean Color Changes:

• Carry yarn up the side for colors used every few rows
• Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving later
• Use a tapestry needle to weave in ends through stitches on the wrong side

To weave in ends, thread your yarn tail through a tapestry needle. Weave it through the back of stitches in one direction for about 2 inches, then reverse direction for another inch or so. This locks the yarn so it won’t pull out when the blanket gets washed or used.

Weave ends into stitches in matching colors whenever possible so they’re invisible. Trim close to the fabric but not too close—leave about a quarter inch to prevent unraveling.

Ready to get started? Let’s have a look at the patterns!

7 Beginner Crochet Blanket Patterns to Try

These seven patterns use simple stitches like double crochet, granny stitches, and easy repeats that will help you to build confidence while creating beautiful blankets.

1. Cosy Stripe Blanket from Attic24

Lucy of Attic24 is well known for her beginner-friendly blanket patterns and the Cosy Stripe Blanket is a great one to start with.

The Cosy Stripe Blanket combines color changes with basic double crochet rows. Working with DK yarn and a 4mm hook, you’ll create a warm and cheerful striped blanket pattern. You can customize the color palette to match your style or home décor.

The pattern uses a simple 4 row repeat, which is easy to memorise, and you’ll change color after every two rows.

The free pattern is very clear, with plenty of photos showing you exactly how to do each step.

Key features:

• Simple double crochet stitch throughout
• Color changes every two rows
• Works up quickly with DK weight yarn
• Clear instructions
• Customizable to any size

This free crochet blanket pattern works well for beginners who would like to experiment with some simple stripes. The repetitive nature makes it easy to crochet while watching TV.

Find the free Cosy Stripe Blanket pattern here.

2. Easy Moss Stitch Blanket from Catherine Crochets

The moss stitch creates a soft, squishy fabric perfect for cozy blankets. With the Easy Moss Stitch Blanket pattern, you’ll alternate simple single crochet and chain stitches across each row to create a beautiful woven-like texture and appearance.

The stitch pattern looks identical on both sides, making it reversible, and the blanket is finished off with a neat crab stitch border.

Working the moss stitch helps you learn to maintain consistent tension and each row follows the same simple repeat: single crochet in chain space, chain one, skip the next stitch. It’s a very relaxing project to work on and changing color every few rows provides just enough visual interest in the design.

You can use any weight yarn for this pattern. Chunky yarn creates a thick blanket quickly, while DK weight produces a lighter drape. Aran weight yarn is a nice medium option.

Why beginners love it:

• Only uses single crochet and chains
• Same stitch pattern throughout
• Reversible design
• Works with any yarn weight
• Relaxing and quick to work up
• Clear written pattern
• Full video tutorial available for the whole blanket

Find the free pattern and video tutorial here.

3. Granny Stripe from Attic24

The Granny Stripe Blanket from Attic24 transforms the iconic granny square blanket concept into long rows, whilst retaining the classic clusters of three double crochet stitches.

This granny stitch blanket uses the same basic technique as traditional squares. However, Instead of working in rounds, you crochet back and forth in rows.

Each row contains groups of three double crochets, worked between the groups from the row below. This creates the characteristic granny stripe look.

Color changes happen at the end of rows. Changing color after every two rows works well and you can stripe randomly or follow a planned sequence for different effects.

Granny stripe basics:

• Clusters of three double crochet stitches
• Stitches worked between the clusters if the previous row
• Rows instead of rounds
• Change color after every two rows
• Simple repeated pattern that’s easy to memorize
• Clear instructions with photos supporting every step

The pattern grows quickly and would suit a beginner wanting to try the classic granny stitch without the complexity of joining squares.

Find the free Granny Stripe Blanket pattern here.

4. Bronte Ripple Blanket from My Crochet Place

The Bronte Ripple Blanket is a great pattern for those wanting to explore creating waves or ripples in their work. The Bronte Ripple Blanket creates gentle, lacy waves with basic stitches, and uses simple increases and decreases to form the signature chevron shape.

The pattern would suits confident beginners ready for a slightly more complex technique, which involves some counting to start. However, once you’ve got into the swing of the repeat, the rhythm becomes second nature.

Ripple pattern elements:

• Increases at peaks
• Decreases at valleys
• Regular stitch repeat
• Clear instructions with supporting step-by-step photos
• Adjustable to any size
• Gentle wave effect

This chevron blanket looks impressive but relies on basic stitches arranged strategically. The wavelike texture adds visual interest without complicated colorwork.

Choose soft colors for a subtle effect or bold contrasts for dramatic stripes.

Find the Bronte Ripple Blanket pattern here.

5. A Spicier Life from Cherry Heart

A Spicier Life is a sampler blanket and it’s a brilliant pattern for new crocheters wanting to explore a whole range of simple but fun stitch patterns in a single project.

There’s plenty of interest in this pattern so you’ll never get bored. You can even pick and mix or add more of your favorite sections to make the design truly your own.

Project highlights:

• Great for stash-busting
• Teaches LOTS of different stitch patterns in a single project
• Clear instructions
• Heaps of fun
• Stunning finished appearance

Find the free Spicier Life Blanket pattern here.

6. Weekender Blanket from Cherry Heart

The Weekender Blanket is a great pattern for those wanting to learn how to create a simple hexagon motif. With just three rounds, these hexagons are easy to memorize and work up quickly. Plus, the join-as-you-go method means that there’s no lengthy joining process at the end and you can see your blanket grow as you create each motif.

As the hexagons are so quick to make, this is a great project to pick up and work on when you only have a small amount of time to crochet. However, little by little, your blanket will grow into a cozy creation that you’ll be sure to treasure.

Find the Weekender Blanket pattern here.

7. Alma – The Spiky Granny Blanket from Catherine Crochets

The final blanket in this post is the Alma Blanket – a spiky granny stitch blanket which is a fun twist on the basic granny stripe. It has a lovely snuggly texture and by changing color at strategic points, you can create a beautiful pattern and really cozy look.

Pattern highlights:

• Simple 2-row repeat with easily memorizable stitches
• Fun colorwork pattern by changing colors at strategic points
• Textured and snuggly feel
• Free written pattern
• Free 4-part video course available taking you through the whole blanket from start to finish, step-by-step

Find the free Alma Blanket pattern and video course here.

Wrapping Up

You’ve learned the basics of crochet blanket patterns, and now it’s time to pick up your hook and start creating. The beauty of these beginner patterns is that they let you build confidence while making something cozy and useful.

Here’s what to remember as you start your first project:

• Choose a design that makes you smile and that you really want to make
• Pick yarn you enjoy working with in colors that make you happy
• Start with a smaller blanket like a baby blanket or lap throw
• Don’t worry about mistakes because they’re part of learning
• Relax and enjoy the process

Your first blanket doesn’t need to be perfect. Each stitch you make helps you improve your technique and understand how yarn and hooks work together.

Keep your supplies organized in a basket or bag so you can grab your project whenever you have free time. Many crocheters find that working on their blanket for just 15-20 minutes a day helps them finish faster than they expected.

If you get stuck on a stitch or pattern instruction, video tutorials on YouTube can show you exactly what to do. You can also join online or in person crochet groups where friendly crafters share tips and answer questions.

The best part about making your own blanket is watching it grow row by row, or motif by motif. Soon you’ll have a finished piece that keeps you warm and reminds you of what you accomplished, and you’ll be itching to start your next project. Happy crocheting!

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